The new High Sheriff of Lancashire takes office

Lancashire's new High Sheriff has been officially sworn in at a historic ceremony at County Hall in Preston.

Amanda Parker has been installed into office as Lancashire's new High Sheriff - continuing a tradition stretching back to at least the middle of the tenth century.

The office of High Sheriff is held for a year. Although many of the powers of the High Sheriff have been reduced over the years, the holder still performs many important functions in the county.

Amanda was appointed by HM The Queen and takes over from the outgoing High Sheriff Barry Johnson DL. The role is carried out on a voluntary basis, the High Sheriff does not receive any salary or expenses.

A former Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pupil, Amanda plays an active part in the community and has been a magistrate on the east Lancashire bench since 2006.

Amanda said: “The role of High Sheriff is to represent The Queen’s executive powers in respect of the administration of justice in the county and to protect and assist in upholding the dignity and wellbeing of Her Majesty’s Judges.

“I am keen that more people find out more about this historic role and have launched a new website for the High Sheriff of Lancashire - www.highsheriffoflancashire.co.uk."

"I hope that many will also engage with me on Twitter and Facebook to highlight the work of organisations and individuals who contribute so much to our county."

At the installation ceremony, the Queen’s Commission was read by David Cam the Under Sheriff in the presence of two Commissioners, Victoria Robertson and Georgina Noble, Officiating Magistrate Brian Linfield MBE JP, the High Sheriff’s Chaplain Rev John Brocklehurst, Timothy Duke the Norroy and Ulster King of Arms, Anthony Russell QC the Honorary Recorder of Preston and the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire. The High Sheriff then made a declaration to 'serve the Queen’s writs and execute the good laws and statutes of the realm'.

The Commissioners checked whether the declaration had been correctly delivered and the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire then handed over the Sheriff’s Patent, which is the authority to act throughout the year in office.

You can follow the High Sheriff on Twitter (@HSLancs) and on Facebook.

Notes to editors:

Pictures of the High Sheriff with the Lord Lieutenant are attached.

About Amanda
• Amanda and her husband Robert live at Browsholme Hall in the Ribble Valley, the oldest surviving family home in Lancashire. Built in 1507 by the Parker family, the hall has been a tourist attraction for over 40 years. It has recently become a popular wedding venue.
• She has been a governor at Thorneyholme Roman Catholic Primary School, Dunsop Bridge, since 1999.
• Amanda has two children, Eleanor and Roland, who are currently studying at university.
• A keen sports enthusiast, Amanda is treasurer of the Lancashire Hockey Development Group, a founder member of the Lancashire Hockey Umpires Association and manages the development of all young umpires in the county.
For further information please contact: Stephen Axon on 01772 533 194stephen.axon@lancashire.gov.uk